Norfolk County!

We made a day trip to Norfolk County towards Lake Erie, on the weekend. This Harvester was one of 3 that we found. I had only ever seen the species once before and it was over 10 years ago. The larva of the Harvester is the only carnivorous caterpillar in North America! It feasts on various species of Wooly Aphids.

American Copper was a "lifer species" for me! It was one of many butterflies drinking nectar from Orange Butterfly Weed plants.

Edward's Hairstreak! One of 4 species of Hairstreaks that we found.

Great-spangled Fritillary is the largest Fritillary in Ontario.

Tawny Emperor admiring its reflection on a vehicle.

Tiger Swallowtail taking a break in the shade on an incredibly hot day. It was too hot for both butterflies and people that day!

The only Gray Hairstreak we found landed on Deryl's hat. Butterflies will sometimes land on people to get the salt from our sweat.

Many Tiger Beetles reside in our near sandy soil. It was "mating day" as Big Sand Tiger Beetles were trying to pair up.

Big Sand Tiger Beetle pair.

The Ghost Tiger Beetle was a new species for us! They are much smaller than many of the other Tiger Beetles and could sit on a dime. Because of their camouflage, it is easier to find them by watching for their shadows.

The Punctured Tiger Beetle is identified by the twin lines of indentations on either side of the mid-line. Both adults and larvae are predators. The larvae live in deep burrows, and use their large size and humped back to help capture prey. Adults are the fastest known species of tiger beetle. They can run 125 times their body length in one second and can chase down their prey both on foot and while running!

https://www.longleggedybeasties.com/2019/06/punctured-tiger-beetle/